Nigeria partners with Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines to strengthen its aviation sector

Nigeria's Ministry of Aviation is taking bold steps to revolutionize the country's aviation sector, with recent partnerships with Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. These collaborations aim to strengthen the industry by establishing an aviation leasing company and an aircraft maintenance facility. Gbenga Olowo, President of Aviation Roundtable, discussed the state of Nigeria's aviation industry in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. Nigeria, with its vast population, presents a significant market for the aviation sector. Olowo stated that the industry is booming, with airlines seeing growth opportunities. The recent consortium agreements with Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines to set up an aviation leasing company have been hailed as positive progress. These partnerships will make aircraft leasing more accessible to operators, providing them with options to lease or purchase aircraft. The establishment of the aviation leasing company and the maintenance and repair facility align with Nigeria's aviation roadmap. Olowo emphasized the crucial role these facilities play in the market, addressing the need for maintenance, repair, and spare parts inventory. With labor costs lower in Nigeria compared to other parts of the world, the maintenance and repair operations in the country are expected to significantly reduce costs for airlines, benefitting the industry as a whole. Despite the positive developments, infrastructure remains a key challenge for the aviation sector in Nigeria. Olowo highlighted the pressing need for infrastructure development, particularly at airports like Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The growth of airlines and the influx of new aircraft call for expanded airport facilities to accommodate the increased traffic. Olowo stressed the importance of timely action to address infrastructure constraints and ensure efficient operations. Recent challenges, such as planes unable to land at Lagos Airport due to adverse weather conditions, underscore the necessity for improved infrastructure and operational readiness. Olowo criticized the grounding of flights during adverse weather, calling for better preparedness and proactive measures from airlines and authorities. He urged the government to expedite the concessioning of airports to enhance competitiveness and provide better services for airlines and passengers. In light of Nigeria's growing aviation sector and the impending challenges, Olowo emphasized the importance of addressing infrastructure gaps promptly. The investments in leasing, maintenance, and infrastructure developments signal a positive trajectory for the industry. With strategic partnerships and government support, Nigeria's aviation sector is poised to soar to new heights, solidifying its position as a prominent player in the African aviation landscape.